Myanmar Parliamentarians explore the country’s right to access affordable medicines
Published on Thursday, 24 October 2013 16:02
Myanmar is currently drafting an intellectual property law and embedding TRIPS flexibilities into the law needs to be ensured to retain the country’s right to affordable medicines. The session generated discussions over how to support the development of an intellectual property law while there are growing economic interests in Myanmar from developed countries and the increasing threats of communicable and non-communicable diseases in the country. The session was concluded by confirming the parliamentarians’ active role and commitment to promote the use of TRIPS flexibilities and access to affordable medicines in Myanmar.
Eamonn Murphy, UNAIDS Country Coordinator in Myanmar highlighted that some neighboring countries of Myanmar have incorporated those flexibilities and utilized them for HIV and other critical diseases such as heart disease, cancer, communicable and non-communicable diseases.
Issues related to TRIPS and intellectual property rights remain very complicated and highly-technical in fast-changing environments. Edin Elgsaether, Programme Specialist at UNDP, said key stakeholders such as parliamentarians, government and civil society need to be updated on technical issues and the most recent developments. “Information sessions like this allows more meaningful engagement in debates and decision-making processes for better access to life saving generic medicines” he said.
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Source: UNDP Myanmar